2002 polaris sportsman 400 review

coolzzy · #1 (**permalink**) 05-16-2011, 07:04 PM

I had a 2002 Magnum 500 (non HO?) and a 2002 Sportsman 400 last week. I'm on the lookout for a newer atv with low miles. I've found a 08 Sportsman 500 efi bone stock, with 50 miles on it. They want 4999 for it, no winch or rack extenders. Two questions,
1. Is this a good deal?
2. Would this be a worthy upgrade from my 500 carb. non HO bike. I'm talking power wise? My magnum was the RMK edition, so was full time AWD. This made it get horrible mileage running AWD all the time.

Other than the gas mileage, I was OK with its power. Now in comparison to the brute force 750s I was riding with, I was down on power and up on weight. I don't need to go super fast, but for 5k, I could probably find a nice low miles brute force as well. I like the Sportsman looks and ride, not fond of the weight though. Reliability is also a concern for me and I know the 500 motor is very reliable. Plus I need to throw another 300 at it for bumpers and a winch, plus pay sales tax. it all begins to add up fast.

Let me know what you think.

Dbez1 · #2 (**permalink**) 05-17-2011, 02:30 AM

IMO there are enough changes to make it a very worthwhile upgrade. Im not so sure it is a good deal though, that's another matter. The power difference may be the least of the improvements but still should be noticeable. I remember reading a magazine review back when the HO first came out that claimed a significant power difference. The EFI should be an improvement as well as getting away from full-time 4WD. If you can stretch to a 550, you are getting much more bike.

Now regarding the Brute force... I ride with a fellow who has had one for years now, it has been very reliable and goes almost anywhere with his MudLites. The only negative thing I noticed was the comparitively rough ride quality and steering effort. Best wishes on your decision.

Fishy · #3 (**permalink**) 05-17-2011, 04:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coolzzy

I've found a 08 Sportsman 500 efi bone stock, with 50 miles on it. They want 4999 for it, no winch or rack extenders. Two questions,
1. Is this a good deal?

Simply put NO, that is not a good deal at least not around Minnesota.

Local dealers are selling 2011-500's (new body style) for $5450

That being said for comparison do a search for offroadpowersports in Tifton, GA they are selling 2011-500's for $5184 and 2011-550's for $6182. Both machines will have improved steering and a higher radiator than the 2008's.

Good Luck with whatever you decide.

cwlongshot · #4 (**permalink**) 05-17-2011, 05:09 AM

I agree. Around here HO500 and the 800 are available for under 6K. You get a BRAND new machine!!!

CW

coolzzy · #5 (**permalink**) 05-17-2011, 06:04 AM

I also have the opportunity to get an 04 arctic cat 650 with 180 miles and a winch for the same price. As it is, the sportsman is a two hour drive from me. I considered new, but the new 500s are not fuel injected. I would prefer efi just so I don't have to mess with carbs anymore. The 800s can be found used with more miles on them but they are 06s and 05s, which seem to have more problems and run hot, plus are heavier before I even add a winch and bumpers. In my area, there isn't much of a used market, and its a 2 to 4 hour drive to get more options and pricing.

antoniodef · #6 (**permalink**) 05-17-2011, 06:16 AM

There are dealers selling 2011 500s for 4999. 5500 OTD including tax. Keep in mind the 2011 500 are carbed though.

Deals seem hard to come buy on used machines, but I do see them. Resale seems very high. Not sure if you can wait, but I would think for 5k you should be able to get a loaded used 500 or an 800 stock.

H2O · #7 (**permalink**) 05-17-2011, 06:47 AM

Besides the new 2011 being carbed..... I think it doesn't have EBC.

coolzzy · #8 (**permalink**) 05-17-2011, 07:12 AM

Exactly, and I have come to appreciate ebs. The new 500 just seems severely decontented to me. This 08 is brand new (50 miles) for all intents and purposes. Did all efi 500s have the engine brake standard? I'd like to add a front brush guard and winch so that's already another 300 bucks plus 6% sales tax.

WilliamBos · #9 (**permalink**) 05-17-2011, 07:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by H2O

Besides the new 2011 being carbed..... I think it doesn't have EBC.

Exact. Engine braking can be added though. I wish they had of left it on, much better that way.

May still go 500, just for the price.

Sent from my iPod Touch using Tapatalk, as if anybody actually gave a sh!t if it was a desktop, laptop, crackberry, I-phone or freakin' morse code or for that matter smoke signals...

coolzzy · #10 (**permalink**) 05-17-2011, 09:12 PM

WELL, I pulled the trigger. Drove 2 hours in the rain to buy it. I ended up paying 4900 cash, and he included a new in the box Winch, and new battery. He also just signed the title over to me, leaving the sales price blank. The bike is SPOTLESS, not a spec of dirt ANYWHERE, not even dusty. The guy only put 9 miles on it since he bought it. No scratches, all the nubs are still on the tires, probably still the same original tank of gas since it says just 1/4 full right now.

I know that for 500 more I could have bought a 2011, but I would have had to do without the front storage box, EFI, and EBS. This bike also has that ADC (active decent control??) in addition to the regular rear wheel EBS. It runs awesome, shifts like butter, and looks fantastic. Now the hunt for accessories begins. I need to buy rear rack extender on the cheap, and the front brush guard, any suggestions on where these can be had on the cheap?